United Nations: New Framework between CEDAW Committee and Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women

Monday, February 11, 2019 10:35 AM

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women have agreed on a cooperative framework to promote the enforcement of General Recommendation no. 35. The framework emerged through the joint efforts of the CEDAW Committee and the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. This unique program is further guided by Sustainable Development Goal no. 5: the advancement of gender equality. Together, they are seeking to promote measures against sexual violence at the national level. In addition, they are working to harmonize research and data-sharing efforts with the goal of ensuring member-state compliance.

In 2017, the CEDAW Committee adopted General Recommendation no. 35, updating General Recommendation no. 19. This new recommendation reinforces and strengthens the language against gender-based violence found in General Recommendation no. 19. For instance, the definition of violence was expanded to include transgressions against reproductive and sexual health. Moreover, General Recommendation no. 35 further details the responsibilities of the state in preventing violence against women, calls for the repeal of laws that condone such practices, and discusses how social norms and culture impact gender-based violence.

Although Stop Violence Against Women endeavors to provide useful and accurate information, Stop Violence Against Women does not warrant the accuracy of the materials provided. Accordingly, this Web Site and its information are provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular use or purpose, or non-infringement. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. We reserve the right to make improvements and/or changes in the format and/or content of the information contained on the Web Site without notice.This information is provided with the understanding that Stop Violence Against Women and its partners are not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.